Matt is best known as a perfor
mer with a rowdy sense of fun\, and that side of him is in full flower on
the new CD. Its gem is “Shine\,” an anthem to the joys of the Mason jar an
d the moonshine produced in places like Matt’s beloved western North Carol
ina. It’s a song in a league with some of modern country’s best sing-along
anthems\, and it is the perfect focal point. There is also “Whiskey Well\
,” about the process of turning heartache into a party\, “Sweet Sun Angel\
,” is a feel-good summertime anthem that evokes images of carefree days in
the sun with the one you love. and “Dirt Road Dancing\,” celebrating the
outlook that says the music should be loud\, the drinks cold and the men a
nd women single and rowdy.